The KWF Norway Winter Camp in Etne was held once again with the same dedication and spirit that has defined it for the past 20 years. This year’s camp brought together instructors and participants from Norway, Spain, and Romania, reinforcing the international camaraderie of the Kyokushin community. Open to everyone, the event welcomed coaches and practitioners from various organizations, making it a truly inclusive martial arts gathering.
Leadership and Organization The camp was masterfully organized by Shihan Geir Havreberg from Etne Kyokushin Karate Club, with invaluable support from dedicated parents. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.
Distinguished Instructors The training sessions were led by highly respected instructors:
- Shihan Javier Lezcano, 7th Dan (Spain)
- Shihan Cristian Boldut, 5th Dan (Romania)
- Shihan Geir Havreberg, 5th Dan (Norway)
- Sensei Pablo Estensoro, 4th Dan (Spain)
Their expertise and guidance ensured an enriching experience for all participants.
A Memorable Experience With over 100 participants ranging from ages 9 to 75, the camp provided an unforgettable experience. Attendees enjoyed the fantastic winter weather, training by the fjord near Etne’s center, where they also took group photos. The pleasant sunshine and moderate temperatures added to the positive atmosphere.
Although some registered participants were unable to attend due to illness, the entire Kyokushin community wishes them a speedy recovery and looks forward to their return to training.
Training Focus and Philosophy The camp commenced on Thursday evening and concluded on Sunday at 1:00 PM with a final lunch and departure. Training sessions primarily focused on sparring but also included kata and fundamental techniques essential for both kata and sparring. The guiding principle of the camp, “Together we are better,” was upheld throughout the event, fostering a strong sense of unity and mutual support.
Honoring a Kyokushin Warrior A special and emotional moment during the camp was the memorial for Fredrik Bjørnestad, who tragically passed away in an accident eight months ago. His father, Sensei Rune Bjørnestad, honored his memory with a heartfelt tribute, allowing everyone to pay their respects. The entire Kyokushin family stands with the Bjørnestad family, offering unwavering support in these difficult times. Life can be tough, but as a community, we stand strong together.
Recognizing Excellence During the camp, the raw material for NKKO was awarded to Senpai Hans Kristian Åsheim Havreberg for his outstanding national and international achievements. Beyond his impressive results, he is a role model through his exemplary behavior. Congratulations to Senpai Hans Kristian on this well-deserved recognition.
KWF Norway Winter Camp: See You Next Year! A massive thank you to everyone who made this camp an unforgettable experience. We look forward to welcoming you all back to Etne next year for another inspiring and rewarding Winter Camp.
